We are pleased to inform you that we are conducting a full Local Offer review. As a result, you may see some short-term disruption on the site. But in the longer term, we hope you will see many positive changes and easily accessible information.
The new Huddersfield Library Hub is now open at Our Cultural Heart – and it includes a range of features to support children and young people with SEND.
The children’s library includes sensory and interactive features, different textures and seating, alongside quieter areas for anyone who needs some time away from a busy environment.
Acoustic booths, reading domes and noise-reducing features are available, with soft lighting and neutral finishes helping to create calmer spaces.
Accessibility features throughout the Library Hub include height-adjustable desks, wheelchair-accessible seating arrangements, furniture at different heights, lower-level reception counters, Braille signage and a Changing Places toilet.
Families can also borrow Little Explorers backpacks containing fidget toys to help children enjoy the Library Adventures trail.
The new Library Hub opened at Our Cultural Heart on September 21st – come along to find out more, or visit the Our Cultural Heart website.
Local families can get advice and support at two FREE events in November.
Parents and carers are invited to chat about inclusive activities, mental health and wellbeing and any other issues which might affect your family. The Kirklees Local Offer team will be joined by Fresh Futures, Local Services 2 You, and the parent-carer forum PCAN. Refreshments will also be on offer.
The events are:
We look forward to seeing you!
We have been working closely with families over the last few months to co-produce and improve the information available about preparing for adulthood.
As part of this, we have added a new Preparing for Adulthood section to the Kirklees Local Offer website. This dedicated area provides information, advice and support to help children and young people prepare for their future.
The information can be explored in two different ways:
The new section makes it easier to find the information you need when you need it. We would also welcome your feedback on the new pages. Please visit the Local Offer for more details.
Even the school holidays couldn’t slow down progress on a brand-new school for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Needs.
The new school for Joseph Norton Academy continues to change the landscape in Deighton and will provide fantastic, state-of-the-art facilities for learners and families.
To see all the latest developments, visit the Kirklees Together website.
A forum for children and young people is helping to shape SEND services across Kirklees.
Voice 4’All brings together pupils of various ages and gives them a way to express their views on what matters to them.
Through Voice 4’All, schools support their pupils to complete activities about a range of subjects. Young people then share their opinions in regular sessions with Kirklees Council, helping ensure their views influence decisions.
It’s a great way of empowering young people and is also open to those who are educated at home. If you and your child would like to get involved, please contact ourvoice@kirklees.gov.uk
In the last newsletter, we told you we had written the Kirklees Local SEND Reform Plan – our response to proposed changes in the national SEND system.
All areas had to submit their plans to the government, outlining how they would make changes to suit local needs. We are expecting a reply from the Department for Education during the autumn.
In the meantime, we continue to work together as partner organisations, parents, carers and families, focusing on improving local SEND services.
An ‘Inclusion Partnership’ oversees this work and includes leaders from health, education, social care, early years, parent/carer groups, and many others.
en-GBLast updated: 29/09/2026